Climate on Capitol Hill

Climate change has been in the news and reported on a lot this year, and there is a good reason for that. From devastating wildfires to floods and horrible air quality for millions of Americans and globally, climate change is wreaking havoc now. There are many volunteer based organized groups however, that are doing everything in their power to lobby Congress and utilize bipartisan climate solutions. One of those organizations is Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL). This July, 2026, Citizens Climate Lobby, New Jersey chapter, went to Washington DC and spoke with Members of Congress to discuss bipartisan climate solutions. Citizens Climate Lobby had two members who wanted to share more on why they felt inspired to lobby Congress.

One member, John Arcoleo, went to Congress and spoke about these wonderful solutions. He said that “I became involved with Citizens’ Climate Lobby after seeing them at a tabling event at a Bridgewater Ecoblast in 2019. Previously, I was involved with several environment groups that had a strident approach to environmental issues. With CCL, a non-partisan group., we are able to talk to all parties in Congress. We meet knowing their views and we are respectful of their differences on climate issues. In the past, I have canvassed voters to get legislators elected to Congress. Now in a turn of events, I get to canvass the Congress on behalf of CCL’s legislative agenda.” It is so amazing how supportive and encouraging every volunteer at CCL is. Climate change is an undeniably chilling reality and we already see how it is affecting the USA. To have organizations who are speaking with Congress in such daunting times, is wonderful.

We also have another NJ member who wanted to describe what CCL means and why to participate. Dennis Yi says “As a math tutor, I've grown increasingly worried about the world we're making for my students. I've been lobbying with Citizens' Climate for the last 3 years, and every year I leave with a renewed appreciation for the complex issues in Congress. Reforming laws around clean energy is thorny, but I believe we'll start to take better care of our forests to prevent wildfires. Individually, ordinary people can and should speak up about caring for our world and our neighbors.” It is extraordinary how much Congress has on their plate and almost every political decision affects the States in a very specific way. I also love how Dennis mentions that even if you do not feel comfortable speaking to Congress right now, everyone has an opportunity to speak up for the earth and create a better planet for future generations.

The earth is our home. We have all heard it said before that the “Earth is our mother.” and there is no better way to protect her than to speak up for what is right. Whether you speak with Congress like the wonderful CCL volunteers, or just advocate for solutions to the increasing frequency of natural disasters, the earth needs us. We know that climate change is making life worse for millions and if we do nothing it will continue to get worse. Thanks to CCL and wonderful volunteers who make the earth a healthy place to live now and in the future.